Apprentice Gardener

Job Reference:000658

Salary:£26,436 per annum, depending on experience

Closing Date:13/05/2026

Department:Parks Operations

Location:Richmond Park - Richmond upon Thames

Contract Type:Fixed Term

Hours Per Week:40 hours

Contract Length:Two-year fixed term contract

Job Description

The Organisation

The Royal Parks (TRP) is a charity created in March 2017. We manage over 5,000 acres of diverse parkland, rare habitats and historic buildings and monuments in eight Royal Parks across London. These are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

We also manage other important public spaces including Brompton Cemetery and Victoria Tower Gardens. Our eight Royal Parks and other iconic green spaces are among the most visited attractions in the UK with tens of millions of visits every year.

We are now looking for an Apprentice Gardener to join us on a full-time, two-year fixed term contract, working 40 hours per week, working Monday to Friday 07:00 to 16:00.

The Benefits

• £26,436 per annum, depending on experience (£12.71 per hour)
• 26 days' annual leave plus public holidays
• Pension scheme (3% employee contribution; up to 10% employer contribution)
• Private medical insurance and healthcare cash plan
• Employee assistance programme and access to mental health first aiders
• Learning and development opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Offices in a beautiful location

You’ll have the chance to work in the stunning Hyde Park, one of the most iconic and historically rich locations in London while directly contributing to the preservation and enhancement of some of the UK's most visited and cherished public spaces.

So, if you want to make a tangible difference while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career, we want to hear from you!

The Role

As an Apprentice Gardener, you’ll learn practical horticultural skills and gain hands-on experience in:

• Planting and maintaining shrubs, trees, and bedding displays
• Grass cutting and general gardening
• Litter picking and soft landscaping
• Chemical spraying (subject to qualification)
• Supporting events and ceremonies in the parks

You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, attend masterclasses, and complete coursework through day release at Capel Manor College.

About You

To be considered as our Apprentice Gardener, you will need:

• GCSEs in English and Maths (or equivalent)
• Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team and remain calm under pressure
• Commitment to The Royal Parks’ values: responsible, excellent, inclusive, open, and respectful

A full UK driving licence is desirable but not essential.

The Royal Parks is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We believe that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Please visit our website to find out more on our approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

So, if you are interested in this unique opportunity, please apply through: Find an apprenticeship - GOV.UK